wear out

verb

wore out; worn out; wearing out; wears out

transitive verb

1

: tire, exhaust

2

: to make useless especially by long or hard usage

3

: erase, efface

4

: to endure through : outlast

wear out a storm

5

: to consume (time) tediously

wear out idle days

intransitive verb

: to become useless from long or excessive wear or use

Synonyms

• break
• burn out
• bust
• do in
• do up
• drain
• exhaust
• fag
• fatigue
• frazzle
• harass
• kill
• knock out
• outwear
• tire
• tucker (out)
• wash out
• wear
• weary

Examples of wear out in a Sentence

keeping up with twin toddlers wears me out

Recent Examples on the Web

Most migrants feel their situation is very precarious in Mexico and their welcome is quickly wearing out. —Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025

People with disabilities of all kinds must first navigate the job application process, which requires its own accommodations and can often leave folks worn out — or even screened out entirely. —Rachel Curry, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025

Alternating blue and white topaz eternity hoop earrings: on sale for $255 Original price: $510 These blue and white topaz eternity hoop earrings are refined enough to be worn out to a fancy restaurant, but classic enough to be worn with everyday outfits as well. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025

This cycle has tended to wear out some areas of the Bronx. —CBS News, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

wear out

verb

1

: to tire gradually

worn out from exercising

2

: to make or become useless by wear